VT H0107

Expands Vermont's anti-SLAPP statute (12 V.S.A. § 1041) to protect individuals who make good faith reports or complaints about sex offenses, sexual assault, or workplace sexual harassment from retaliatory lawsuits

Covers reports related to violations of lewdness and prostitution laws (13 V.S.A. chapter 59), sexual assault laws (13 V.S.A. chapter 72), and workplace sexual harassment policies required under 21 V.S.A. § 495h

Allows defendants sued for making such reports to file a special motion to strike within 60 days, which stays all discovery proceedings until the court rules

Courts must grant the motion to strike unless the plaintiff proves the report lacked reasonable factual support and arguable legal basis, and caused actual injury

Effective date: July 1, 2025